The Renaissance Trial
a voice said from behind her.
Elara turned. It was a Hunter. He was huge, clad in grey Kevlar, holding a stun-baton that crackled with blue electricity. He looked at her with pity. "Just take the hit, Princess. You go back to your old life, and I get my paycheck. Nobody has to bleed."
Elara looked at the stun-baton. Then she looked at the heavy fire extinguisher mounted on the wall next to her.
"Julian said I was a boring investment," she panted, a wild, jagged smile breaking across her face. "I think it’s time to spice things up."